When JD Vance was announced as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election, it shocked the public. At the time, Vance was a newcomer to politics. He was young (half Trump’s age), lacked experience, and even criticized Trump publicly. However, in a statement, Trump stood by the decision, commenting, “I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator JD Vance of the Great State of Ohio.”
It’s hard to see what the two have in common, but inside sources claim that the dynamic works. Republican operative Garrett Ventry told NBC News that the two had “chemistry” and that they’re “friends,” while others say the two men were on a “buddy level.” Still, it’s not all good news for these two—there are definitely some weird facts about their relationship that we can’t ignore.
At first, JD Vance was extremely anti-Trump
This is the biggest head-scratcher of them all. In 2016, before Trump’s first presidential term, Vance was outspoken about his distaste for Donald Trump. He called himself a “Never Trump” guy on Charlie Rose, saying that while he understands the perspective of the Trump voters, he didn’t like Trump himself.
He even called Trump “America’s Hitler,” telling NPR that he couldn’t “stomach” the “noxious” man, who he believes was “leading the white working class to a very dark place.” He changed his tune years later, admitting that he was a “great president” and that it’s ok to change your mind if you’re wrong about something.
Donald Trump got revenge on JD Vance with shady comments
Although Vance bashed Trump for many years, he found himself groveling at his feet and was publicly humiliated in the end when the VP admitted he regretted comments he made in 2016. Speaking to Fox News, he said that he pleaded that folks would judge him based on those 2016 comments: “Because I’ve been very open that I did say those critical things, and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy.”
Trump wouldn’t let things slide just with an apology. He iced Vance out at the 2022 Ohio rally, telling his followers about how desperate JD Vance was to get on his good side. Trump kept on making shady comments, saying that the vice president’s role had “virtually no impact” on presidential elections. Ouch.
Even by his side, Vance keeps embarrassing Trump
Would you like more evidence of this uncomfortable relationship? Vance has no issue humiliating himself. In November 2024, he posted a meme on X of him dressed as a doting wife serving a Thanksgiving turkey shaped like the USA to hubby Trump. It was very bizarre, with many social media followers questioning why he would refer to himself as Trump’s wife. Some even said that Trump was “cheating” on him with Elon Musk, and many suspect that this was an attempt to get Trump’s attention as the bromance between the richest man in the world and Donald Trump deepened. Trump does enjoy a good ego boost, so this might have worked!
